SANTA stopped off in Stratton on Friday to sprinkle a bit of Christmas cheer around the parish.

He brought his reindeer and presents for the little ones, and was even invited back for next year – providing the children have been well behaved.

It was all part of the Stratton St Margaret Parish Council’s annual Christmas Extravaganza, which this year was just as popular as ever.

The event, held at Grange Leisure, saw wide-eyed children meet jolly old Saint Nick and take part in a host of festive activities.

Joe Tray, chairman of the parish council, said: “It was a great event on Friday, very well attended and everyone seemed to have a good time.

“It’s always very popular with the children, and I think the adults enjoyed themselves as well.

“Things like this are always good for the community. We have our summer fete and our autumn show, so it’s good to be able to do something at this time of year too.”

The Christmas Extravaganza saw performances from local school children as well as popular choir ‘The Big Sing Thing’.

Stratton’s Christmas events have always raised funds for the parish council’s chosen charity and this year it was in support of the Alzheimer’s Society.

For a small donation, visitors were able to get crafty by making presents or even their very own reindeer food for putting out on Christmas Eve.

And after all the singing and festivities, the evening came to a climax with a light switch-on.